Sheriff's office warns against illegal fireworks, speeding and off-road misuse ahead of Fourth of July

Commander Agustin Huerta of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office used Gov 101's interview to urge residents to report illegal fireworks and persistent speeding or off-road vehicle complaints ahead of Fourth of July events. "This fourth of July weekend, just remember that any fireworks that leave the ground are not legal," Huerta said, adding that residents should report illegal fireworks or persistent speeding to the Sheriff's Office nonemergency number, (520) 761-7869. Huerta described typical complaints in county neighborhoods as speeding vehicles and the use of ATVs and UTVs near residences, and asked callers to provide vehicle color, make and model or a description of the driver if possible to help deputies identify responsible parties. He also listed local holiday events mentioned on the podcast: a city parade that "will begin at 10 a.m.," the town of Patagonia's parade beginning at 11 a.m., and a free community event at the "Quebec Presidio" from 10 a.m. to noon, where organizers provide watermelon and hot dogs. The commander said the town of Patagonia may include fireworks if weather allows. Huerta said deputies will be assigned to traffic enforcement details over the holiday to boost visibility and safety. "So deputies will come into the city and do traffic enforcement," he said, and added that multiple law enforcement agencies often coordinate traffic enforcement during holidays. The information was presented as safety guidance rather than new policy: Huerta described how to report issues and what county deputies can do in response but did not announce ordinances, fines or new enforcement rules.